The UK and France are leading an international military mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz after Iran imposed a blockade on the critical oil shipping route, deploying naval and air assets to protect commercial shipping.

The UK and France are leading a multinational mission to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, deploying HMS Dragon, Typhoon jets, mine-hunting equipment, and counter-drone systems, after Iran imposed a blockade in March 2026 following US and Israeli attacks; Iran's deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi warned any warship in the strait will face a decisive response.